2 Samuel 14:26

And when he cut the hair of his head--he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy--he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.

Study Bible

And when he cut the hair of his head
The act of cutting hair in ancient Israelite culture often held significant meaning. Hair was considered a symbol of strength and vitality, as seen in the account of Samson. The Hebrew word for "cut" here is "גָּזַז" (gazaz), which implies a deliberate and careful action. Absalom's hair was not just a personal trait but a public display of his physical allure and charisma, which played into his later political ambitions.

he shaved it every year
The annual shaving of Absalom's hair suggests a ritualistic or customary practice. The Hebrew word "גָּלַח" (galach) for "shaved" indicates a complete removal, which could symbolize renewal or a fresh start. This practice might have been a personal tradition or a cultural norm, reflecting the importance of personal grooming and appearance in maintaining one's social status and influence.

because it grew so heavy for him
The phrase highlights the extraordinary nature of Absalom's hair. The Hebrew word "כָּבֵד" (kaved) for "heavy" can also mean "glorious" or "honorable," suggesting that his hair was not just physically burdensome but also a source of pride and admiration. This detail underscores Absalom's physical attractiveness and the potential vanity that accompanies such traits, foreshadowing his later actions driven by pride.

he would weigh it
Weighing the hair indicates a sense of pride and perhaps vanity. The act of weighing, using the Hebrew "שָׁקַל" (shakal), implies a careful assessment and valuation. This practice could reflect Absalom's desire to quantify and boast about his physical attributes, which were part of his charm and influence over the people.

and its weight was two hundred shekels
The specific mention of "two hundred shekels" provides a tangible measure of Absalom's hair, emphasizing its remarkable nature. A shekel was a standard unit of weight in ancient Israel, and this amount would be approximately five pounds or more, indicating an impressive and unusual feature. This detail serves to highlight Absalom's distinctiveness and the potential for such traits to lead to pride and downfall.

by the royal standard
The phrase "by the royal standard" suggests an official or recognized measure, indicating that Absalom's hair was not just a personal boast but acknowledged by the broader society. The use of a "royal standard" implies a connection to the monarchy and the societal structures of the time, hinting at Absalom's royal lineage and his ambitions for power. This connection to royalty foreshadows his later rebellion and quest for the throne, driven by his desire for recognition and authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Absalom
The son of King David, known for his striking appearance and long hair. His hair is a symbol of his pride and vanity, which plays a significant role in his account.

2. King David
The father of Absalom, who is the reigning king of Israel during this time. His relationship with Absalom is complex and filled with tension.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel and the center of political and religious life during King David's reign. It is the backdrop for much of the account involving Absalom.

4. Royal Standard
Refers to the official system of weights and measures used in the kingdom, indicating the significant weight of Absalom's hair.

5. Hebron
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is relevant as the place where Absalom later declares himself king, showing his ambition and rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride and Vanity
Absalom's focus on his hair symbolizes his pride. As Christians, we must guard against allowing our appearance or achievements to become sources of pride that lead us away from God.

The Importance of Inner Character
While Absalom was admired for his looks, his character was flawed. We should prioritize developing a Christ-like character over external appearances.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Absalom's account is a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebelling against God's established order. Submission to God's will is crucial for a life of peace and blessing.

The Role of Family Dynamics
The strained relationship between David and Absalom highlights the importance of addressing family conflicts with grace and wisdom, seeking reconciliation and understanding.

Weighing Our Priorities
Just as Absalom weighed his hair, we should regularly evaluate our priorities to ensure they align with God's purposes for our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Absalom's focus on his hair reflect his character, and what can we learn from this about the dangers of vanity?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our focus remains on developing inner beauty rather than being consumed by outward appearances?

3. How does the relationship between David and Absalom illustrate the importance of addressing family conflicts? What steps can we take to foster healthy family relationships?

4. Reflect on a time when pride led to negative consequences in your life. How can you apply the lessons from Absalom's account to avoid similar pitfalls in the future?

5. How can we regularly "weigh" our priorities to ensure they align with God's will, and what practical steps can we take to adjust them when necessary?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:7
This verse emphasizes that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, contrasting with Absalom's focus on his physical attributes.

Proverbs 16:18
This proverb warns that pride precedes destruction, which is relevant to Absalom's account as his vanity and ambition lead to his downfall.

1 Peter 3:3-4
These verses encourage believers to focus on inner beauty rather than outward adornment, providing a New Testament perspective on the themes of appearance and character.